Lets step back in time and have a look at Aa look at a young man's 1927 visit to conservationist Stephen Leek's Camp to help with the construction of Leek's Lodge.

You'll see it all in the video below.

In the background of this black and white silent film you will see glimpses of the Grand Tetons of Wyoming.

Where this young man was going was once along the shores of Jackson Lake, Wyoming. All you can find of it today is a burnt stone chimney. In 1998 a fire destroyed all but that.

Leek (viewed at 8:46) was a major force in the creation of the National Elk Refuge which now includes more than 25,000 acres.

attachment-Leeks Lodge 1927
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At the beginning of the video you will see a scene of Leek and the boy along the North Platte, NE. 

In 1888, homesteader, businessman and conservationist Stephen Leek arrived in Jackson Hole to pursue ranching, guiding and later, conservation work.

In 1927 Mr. Leek built a lodge on the shores of Jackson Lake.

Stephen Leek pioneered the first conservation movement in Jackson Hole as a passionate campaigner for the local elk herd. During the severe winter of 1908-1909, thousands of elk died due to heavy snows and homesteads that blocked winter range. Leek's glass plate photographs of the elk nationally publicized the tragic winter die-off. In 1912, Congress set aside 1,000 acres as the National Elk Refuge. Today the refuge covers 25,000 acres, providing range for roughly 7,000 elk each winter. (National Park Service).

At 10:15 into the film there is a curious moment when you'll see the lake lapping at the bottom of a cabin. There is also a quick video of a damn. Not sure what that is all about.

This is a well preserved and rare glimpse into what life was like back in the early days of Wyoming.

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